PMDC SALT MINES KHEWRA

SOP’s for Fire Fighting and Fire Hazard

 Fire Hazards and use of Fire extinguisher

Any actions, materials, or conditions that might increase the size or severity of a fire or that
might cause a fire to start are called fire hazards. The hazard might be a fuel that is easy to ignite
or a heat source like a defective appliance. The hazard could be an action like thawing a pipe
with a torch or an omission like failing to have a woodstove chimney cleaned. Common fire
hazards are found in most occupancies and are not associated with any special occupancy.
Smoking, trash, electrical appliances, storage, and heating are common to most occupancy types.
However, smoke-free workplaces are making smoking a less common problem. Special fire
hazards are linked to some specific process or activity in particular occupancies. Chemicals,
spray painting, welding, combustible dusts, and flammable liquids are examples of special fire
hazards.
Fire hazards include:
 Electrical Hazards
 Smoking hazards
 Open flame ignition sources
 Hazards of handling, using, and storing materials
 Flames
 Sparks
 Hot objects
 Flammable chemicals
 Chemicals accelerants, which can increase a fire’s rate of spread

Fire triangle
Fire Triangle is a model of the three conditions that are necessary to start a fire (fuel, an ignition
source, and oxygen). A fire hazard is typically something that will either act as fuel or as an
ignition source.
Classes of fire
Fires can be placed into different classes depending on what material is burning. This
classification then gives us information on the type of fire extinguisher we should use to put
out the flames.
Not all fires require the same type of extinguisher and the correct type has to be used for each
blaze
Class A
A class A fire is burning flammable solids as fuel. Examples of these include paper and
wood. Extinguishers that can be used: Water, Foam, ABC Dry powder, Wet chemical
Class B
Class B fires are burning flammable liquids. Examples include petrol and paint.
Extinguishers that can be used: Foam, CO2 Gas, ABC Dry powder
Class C
Class C fires burn flammable gases. A couple of examples are propane and butane.
Extinguishers that can be used: ABC Dry powder
Class D
Class D fires are burning flammable metals. These may include lithium or magnesium.

Fire Prevention
 Keep hallways, corridors, and exit areas clear of items that impede egress in an
emergency (i.e., chairs, tables, boxes, equipment, etc).
 Properly store combustible items. Do not accumulate unnecessary cardboard boxes,
chemicals, and paper products.
 When stacking or storing items on shelves, the top of the items must be a minimum of
18” below sprinkler head deflectors. Avoid storage of flammable liquids outside of a
flammable storage cabinet. See EHS SOP,
 Storage and Use of Flammable and Combustible Liquids for more information.
 Properly store compressed gas cylinders. See EHS SOPs, Compressed Gas Cylinders in
 Laboratories and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Portable Cylinders for more
information.
 Segregate chemicals by hazard class. See EHS SOP, General Guidance for Chemical
Storage for more information.
 Purchase equipment that is approved by a testing organization.
 Keep electrical equipment, cords, and plugs in good condition. Arrange for an authorized
factory representative or electrician to replace electrical cords or plugs that are in poor
condition (i.e., frayed, cracked insulation, loose prongs, etc.).
 Do not overload electrical outlets.
 Report loose electrical wall receptacles, missing outlet faceplates, and exposed wires to
the
 Building Maintenance Reporter (BMR).
 Disconnect electrical equipment that could possibly overheat when unattended.
 Keep fire extinguishers charged, stored in their designated location, and ensure annual
inspection.
 When using a space heater, allow a minimum of three (3) feet between the heater and
combustible materials.
 Turn off the electrical and heat-producing appliances at the end of the day.
 Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak.
 Complete a Hot Work Permit when conducting hot work outside of a welding shop.
 See EHS SOP, Hot Work Permit Operations for more information.
 Refrain from open flames (i.e. candles, sterno burner, incense burner, etc.) unless they are
an integral part of the work activity (i.e., Bunsen burners in laboratories, torches in
welding shops, etc.). Do not leave open flames unattended. Do not store or use ordinary
combustibles (i.e., papers, napkins, cloths, etc.) or flammable/combustible solvents (e.g.,
aerosols, paints, etc.) in the vicinity of open flames or hot surfaces.
 Do not let cooking oil or grease overheat. Use cooking aids that limit grease splattering.
 In commercial type kitchens, ensure regular inspection and servicing of the grease
exhaust/fire extinguishing system. For small grease fires, attempt to extinguish by
smothering with a pot lid. Do not use water on grease fires.
  Know how to safely exit the work area if a fire should occur. Have at least two (2) exit
routes in mind and walk through them to assure your safe response. Always observe a fire
alarm. Convene in the predetermined safe gathering location.
 Use appropriately designed tools for handling hot equipment or surfaces (don’t improvise
with dish towels, rags, etc.).

What to do if a Fire starts

 Know how to safely operate a fire extinguisher
 Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 1122 or your local emergency phone
number.
 Yell "Fire!" several times and go outside right away. If you live in a building with
elevators, use the stairs. Leave all your things where they are and save yourself.
 If closed doors or handles are warm or smoke blocks your primary escape route, use your
second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch.
 If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Close
doors behind you.
 If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed. Place
a wet towel under the door and call the fire department. Open a window and wave a
brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.
 Once you are outside, go to your assembly point and then send one person to call the fire
department. If you cannot get to your meeting place, follow your family emergency
communication plan.
Use of Fire extinguisher

Pull: Pull the pin, this will break the tamper seal.
Aim: Aim low, pointing the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. Do not touch the horn on a
CO2 extinguisher, it gets very cold and can damage the skin.
Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
Sweep: Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire, the fuel source, until the fire is out.